WHO raises alarm over Gaza humanitarian crisis

The Gaza Strip is currently facing a severe humanitarian crisis as a result of the recent actions taken by Israel. The World Health Organization has raised alarm over the lack of medical supplies reaching Gaza for the past 10 days. The closure of the Rafah crossing, along with restrictions at other key crossings, has severely limited the flow of essential supplies into the region.

On May 7, Israeli forces entered Rafah, leading to the closure of the vital Rafah crossing into Egypt, which is crucial for humanitarian aid delivery. This closure, combined with restrictions at the Kerem Shalom and Erez crossings, has raised concerns about a potential famine in Gaza due to the scarcity of supplies.

The shortage of fuel is particularly critical, as Gaza's clinics and hospitals require approximately 1.8 million litres of fuel monthly to operate effectively. However, only a fraction of this amount has been able to enter Gaza since the border closure. This fuel shortage has forced many medical facilities to operate at reduced capacity, endangering the lives of patients in need of urgent care.

With only a few hospitals operational in Gaza, the situation is dire. The limited fuel supply is putting countless lives at risk, as medical facilities struggle to provide essential care. The ongoing military operations in Rafah have further worsened the crisis, leading to a significant number of civilian casualties since October 7.

The situation in Gaza demands immediate attention and action to prevent a full-blown humanitarian disaster. Urgent measures are needed to ensure the uninterrupted flow of medical supplies and fuel into the region. International cooperation and support are crucial to alleviate the suffering of the people in Gaza and prevent further loss of life.